Supernova peaks this weekend

This undated handout image provide by NASA, combines data from four different space telescopes to create a multi-wavelength view of all that remains of the oldest documented example of a supernova, called RCW 86. NASA announced the findings Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, and said the exploded star was observed by the ancient Chinese in the year 185, and visible for eight months. It was later found to be a bigger-than-expected supernova remnant, 8,000 light years away. (AP Photo/NASA)
— AP

This undated handout image provide by NASA, combines data from four different space telescopes to create a multi-wavelength view of all that remains of the oldest documented example of a supernova, called RCW 86. NASA announced the findings Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, and said the exploded star was observed by the ancient Chinese in the year 185, and visible for eight months. It was later found to be a bigger-than-expected supernova remnant, 8,000 light years away. (AP Photo/NASA)
/ AP

Astronomers around the world are pointing telescopes to the new supernova in the M82 galaxy. The super nova has been gradually increasing in brightness over the past couple of weeks and is expected to peak Sunday. At about 600 light-years away, it is the closest supernova since one exploded in the Large Magellanic Cloud in 1987.